ABC Releases Apology After False Malcolm Turnbull Claims

ABC Releases Apology After False Malcolm Turnbull Claims

The ABC has released an apology after political editor Andrew Probyn falsely claimed Malcolm Turnbull was responsible for five by-elections slated for July.

During a story on the 7pm News on Friday 25 May, Probyn stated the Prime Minister chose the 28 July by-elections date.

According to a spokesperson from ABC, the statement “should have either been attributed to sources or presented in the context of explicit denials that he had selected the date.

“In the absence of such context, the statement was found not to have met ABC standards for accuracy.”

The person responsible for calling by-elections is, in fact, the speaker of the house, Tony Smith, not the Prime Minister.

In the apology, the ABC acknowledged the mistake, a move, which is “consistent with the ABC’s rigorous and transparent processes for editorial oversight.

Adding, “It does not detract from the body of quality reporting and analysis Andrew continues to provide to ABC audiences.”

The statement also called Andrew Probyn a “respected journalist” who “has distinguished himself with a large body of award-winning and news-breaking political reporting during his lengthy career.”

“Andrew is the first to recognise that the ABC has the strongest expectation of accuracy in our coverage and analysis of current events – he meets that expectation daily.”

According to different media sources, the broadcaster was forced to apologise after a member of the Turnbull government contacted the ABC.

Earlier this year, Probyn was accused of breaching journalistic codes by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for a comment made about former prime minister Tony Abbott.

During a report on Tony Abbott, Probyn called the former prime minister “the most ­destructive politician of his generation”.

Probyn was reporting on Abbott’s attendance at a Climate Change event in London last year, and referred to Abbott’s statement that climate change is was “probably doing good; or at least, more good than harm”.




Please login with linkedin to comment

ABC andrew probyn Tony Abbott turnbull

Latest News

Scroll Media Recruits Costa Panagos From Twitch
  • Advertising

Scroll Media Recruits Costa Panagos From Twitch

Digital publisher network Scroll Media has employed ex-Amazon Twitch gaming executive Costa Panagos (lead image) to strengthen its Scroll Gaming capability. Panagos is highly experienced in game advertising and media sales professional with two years in account management at Twitch and three years in media sales at News Corp, so will bring his extensive media agency […]

Year13, Microsoft & KPMG Australia Launch AI Course For Gen Zs
  • Technology

Year13, Microsoft & KPMG Australia Launch AI Course For Gen Zs

School-leaver service Year13 has launched a new Artificial Intelligence course to upskill young people in AI, made in collaboration with Microsoft and KPMG, at an event to rally industry support behind youth AI fluency. The free online course AI Amplified which is part of Year13’s Academy aims to provide all young people with the opportunity […]

General Motors Snares Heath Walker From Scania
  • Advertising

General Motors Snares Heath Walker From Scania

General Motors has announced the appointment of Heath Walker (lead image) as the new marketing director for GM Australia and New Zealand, effective April 23, 2024. Walker brings a wealth of marketing and communications experience gained from working across various industries, including IT, sporting, and auto – notably Tesla, Nissan and most recently, Scania in […]